Olay Regenerist Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Brightening Facial Cleanser Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
This salicylic acid cream cleanser is formulated around Salicylic Acid to clear breakouts and unclog pores.
This smoothing exfoliator is formulated around Salicylic Acid to refine skin texture and refine the look of pores.
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPPG-15 Stearyl Ether
EmollientGlycerin
Humectant
Stearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Cetyl Betaine
CleansingHydrated Silica
Abrasive
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Distearyldimonium Chloride
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Cleansing
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin Conditioning
Niacinamide
Smoothing
PPG-30
Skin ConditioningSteareth-21
CleansingSteareth-2
EmulsifyingCetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Behenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Disodium EDTA
Parfum
Masking
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Avena Sativa Peptide
Skin Conditioning
Water, PPG-15 Stearyl Ether, Glycerin, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Betaine, Hydrated Silica, Salicylic Acid, Distearyldimonium Chloride, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Niacinamide, PPG-30, Steareth-21, Steareth-2, Cetyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Disodium EDTA, Parfum, Ascorbic Acid, Avena Sativa Peptide
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Salicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is a well-known ingredient for treating skin that struggles with acne and clogged pores. It exfoliates both the skin's surface and deep within the pores to help clear out buildup, control oil, and reduce inflammation.
Unlike AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble. This allows it to penetrate into pores which makes it especially effective for treating blackheads and preventing future breakouts.
Salicylic acid is also known for its soothing properties. It has a similar structure to aspirin and can calm inflamed or irritated skin, making it a good option for acne-prone skin that is also sensitive.
Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.
It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing this ingredient into your routine.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun sensitivity, it’s still important to wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidWater. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water
